KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Due to recent rains, the City of Tyler Water Utilities has temporarily closed all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. Officials said the lakes are currently at an elevation of 376.90 mean sea level (msl). Spillway elevation is at 375.5 msl. Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by the recent rains and to reduce damage resulting from erosion of the shoreline caused by boat wakes. In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents. The ramps will be closed until further notice. Tyler Water Utilities anticipates reopening the ramps once the lake levels recede.

ORE CITY — An Ore City child was hospitalized Thursday afternoon after he was swept into a creek. According to the National Weather Service and KETK, around 1:00, several children were said to be playing near Meddlin Creek in Ore City when the boy was swept away by the current. He was rescued and taken to a hospital. His injuries were said to be minor.

RUSK COUNTY — Things are looking up in Rusk County as water levels are slowly backing down. KETK reports lake water levels have receded and the main roads are back open, but Rusk County Emergency Management PIO David Chenault wants people to continue staying off rural county roads. “Some of them we really don’t know the damage levels yet,” says Chenault. We’re going to have to wait until the water levels completely recede so that our commissioners can get in there and kind-of evaluate what the damage is. Don’t think we have any bridges washed out. We do have some culverts that have washed out, that kind of stuff; we are going to have some damage that we’re going to have to repair over the next month or two.”

LAKEPORT – A two vehicle accident in Gregg County has left one person dead and one injured. The accident happened just before 7:00 Thursday morning on State Highway 149, about 1½ miles south of Lakeport. Pronounced dead at the scene was Gregory Lloyd Mishler, 62, of Gilmer. State Trooper Jean Dark says he was traveling at an unsafe speed for the weather conditions. Mishler hydroplaned on the wet road and hit a pickup driven by Rickey Lane Lee, 48, of Center. He was treated and released at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center. The accident remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Heavy rainfall has created flash flooding in various areas across Longview and the East Texas area. With additional rainfall expected throughout the week, residents are encouraged to take precaution and avoid driving into flooded roadways, according to Longview police. They’re thanking personnel from Longview Police, Fire, and Public Works who have been responding throughout the community. During the morning of March 9, Longview Fire Department responded to 25 water rescues as well as a fallen tree rescue in the Longview / Gregg County area. Continue reading Longview Police Advise of Flooding Safety and Road Closures

TYLER — A number of Smith County roads are either closed or not recommended for driving at this time due to weather-related conditions. The following roads are CLOSED until further notice. These roads are washed out and need a culvert or bridge repaired or replaced. DO NOT drive over these roads:

CR 165 between CR 166 & FM 2493
CR 132 between CR 135 & CR 1230
CR 233 between CR 234 & FM 850
CR 247 between CR 246 & CR 223
CR 448 between CR 446 & FM 1805
CR 434 between CR 436 & CR 4184
CR 499 between CR 4102 & CR 498 Continue reading Smith County Roads Update

TYLER — The City of Tyler is continuing a disaster declaration issued Thursday as a result of heavy rains experienced this week. Officials say more than five inches of rain fell, causing trees to lose ground and creeks to overflow. Those creeks and channels have also suffered from erosion as the swift waters flowed. Assessment of affected storm water systems will be evaluated when the water level subsides, according to a city news release. “Total damages have yet to be assessed as the flood waters have not receded in certain parts of the City,” said Fire Chief Tim Johnson as quoted in the news release. “All departments are working tirelessly to make sure roads and services remain operational.” Continue reading City of Tyler Continues Disaster Declaration

EAST TEXAS — As East Texas braces for more potential flooding, numerous emergency shelters are in place to take in residents whose homes were evacuated or those who need a safe place to stay. According to KETK, the following shelters are open: Henderson Civic Center, 1500 Lake Forest Parkway, Henderson, Longview Christian Fellowship, 2011 W. Marshall Avenue, Longview, Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin Street, Jefferson, Chandler Street Church of Christ, 2700 Chandler Street in Kilgore, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 401 E. Main Street, Kilgore and Forest Home Baptist Church, 15746 CR 173 North, Kilgore. If you believe you are in danger, contact your local law enforcement office or fire department.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police said as of 2:00 Thursday morning, most roadways are clear of water, with the exception of Houston Street near Meadowbrook Park. It remains closed due to flooding. Officials said everyone still needs to exercise caution when driving and obey all warning signs and barricades. Continue reading KIlgore Roadways Clearing Up, Police Continue to Monitor

TYLER – Storms have necessitated the closure of roads across the Tyler TxDOT District. Officials say crews will continue to monitor areas prone to flooding throughout this event. The following have been closed due to flooding or have high water. Please be advised that these conditions are continually changing as water recedes or rises. Continue reading TxDOT Issues Road Condition Alert

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is getting busy with incentives for new businesses at the airport. According to a news release, the Tyler City Council recently approved a change of ordinance to allow for the airport to offer incentives to initiate additional or enhanced air service. The ordinance was updated to draw additional and new services to the Tyler area. There are several incentives outlined in this plan. Continue reading Airport Rolls Out Incentives for New Airline Business

MARSHALL — Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers assisted Wednesday in the apprehension of a stolen vehicle and driver in Harrison County, according to a DPS news release. Just before noon, the Marshall Police Department was notified of a stolen truck-tractor. Celadon Trucking Services Inc. tracked the truck to Marshall. Harrison County deputies located the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop it. Authorities say that for an unknown reason, the driver chose to evade police and continued south on US 59 just north of Marshall. DPS troopers made several attempts to disable the fleeing truck with tire deflation devices, successfully deflating two. They say the truck continued through the city, disregarding traffic control devices and endangering the general public. Officers disabled the vehicle with their service weapons south of Marshall on US 59. Continue reading Law Enforcement Disables Stolen Truck, Arrests Driver

EAST TEXAS — Rough weather is affecting schedules at several area schools. The Kilgore News Herald reports Overton ISD classes have been canceled for Thursday due to flooding conditions.

WHITEHOUSE — Part of Highway 110 in Whitehouse is closed due to downed power lines. According to KETK, the Whitehouse Fire Department said Highway 110 has been closed from FM 346 to Acker Tap. Drivers are urged to use an alternate route.

EAST TEXAS — Numerous reports of flooded roads and water over bridges in the East Texas area. According to KETK, emergency crews responded to a high water rescue in Lindale at County Road 452 and 484. Tyler police responded to a high water rescue around 6:15 Wednesday morning at East Erwin Street and South Fleishel Avenue, near Hillside Park. Tyler Street Department crews set up barricades at flooded intersections. The City of Tyler Streets Department has closed Martin Luther King at East Gentry / 271 due to flooding. The road will remain closed until further notice. Officials advise drivers to take precaution and drive slow. And remember, turn around, don’t drown.

WILLS POINT — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal home invasion in Wills Point. Officials said they responded to the home on Van Zandt County Road 3415 around 1:00 Tuesday afternoon and found the reported suspect dead from a gunshot wound. He was identified as Gaylen St. John, 42, Canton. The homeowner suffered injuries from an altercation with the suspect and was transported to a near-by hospital. No arrests have been made. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

EAST TEXAS — Strong storms hit East Texas Tuesday afternoon, knocking out power for thousands of residents. KETK reports that at one point Tuesday afternoon, more than 2,500 East Texans were in the dark — the majority in Malakoff with about 1,900 customers affected. Approximately 600 people lost electricity in the Jacksonville area. Widespread damage was also reported in East Texas, with trees uprooted, limbs down, metal sheets tossed into trees, at least one large sign blown down — and even an RV turned over by strong winds.

KILGORE – Kilgore police have identified a suspect involved in the February 28th shooting that left one person critically injured. The suspect is 31 year old Demetrius Dirail Alex of Longview. He and another man are said to have exchanged gunfire at the Stone Creek Apartments in the 4000 block of Pine Burr Lane. One man used a used a 45-caliber pistol while the other pulled what was called a “machine pistol.” Investigators say the men discharged around 30 rounds. The shooting followed an argument at a store earlier that evening. The injured man, whose name has not been released, remains hospitalized at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Alex is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct. Additional charges may still be filed in the case.

TYLER – Smith County authorities are investigating their second game room robbery in as many days. The latest occurred around 4:00 Tuesday morning at Big Baby’s Game Room in the 13000 block of spur 364 west of Tyler. Two men had an employee empty the cash register and then demanded more cash, saying hey knew there had to be more. The employee then handed over an envelope containing money. Before leaving, they ransacked the office apparently looking for more cash. Continue reading Another Smith County Game Room Robbed

LUFKIN – A Lufkin teen is accused of using a deadly weapon against his dad. The weapon..a pickup. Glen Smallwood, Jr., 19, is said to have hit his dad with his truck. The incident happened shortly after 3:45 Tuesday morning at the Whataburger in the 400 block of North Timberland Drive. Lufkin police report the father suffered cuts and scrapes to his arm and lower back after being knocked onto the hood of the truck. His son, who left the restaurant, was arrested at his home. The attack is said to have occurred after the son got mad because his dad had taken his truck away. The teen has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon . Bond was set at $10,000.

LUFKIN (AP) – Police are investigating an East Texas animal cruelty case after a pregnant pet longhorn suffered slash wounds and had to be euthanized. Lufkin police on Monday announced the search for an attacker who possibly used a machete to cut the legs of the longhorn named Eve. Detective John Petty says the attack happened last week while Eve was in a pasture. A police statement says owner David Overdorf first noticed Eve lying in a front pasture and thought she had separated from the herd to have her calf. Overdorf checked the longhorn several hours later when he noticed she hadn’t moved. He discovered Eve had deep cuts on her back legs with the tendons severed. A veterinarian euthanized the cow. The unborn calf also died.

LONGVIEW — After many years of producing AlleyFest as one of the premier arts and music festivals in East Texas, the City of Longview has made what organizers term the difficult decision to cancel AlleyFest for 2016. According to KETK, the AlleyFest committee says The Longview Main Street program and the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Committee appreciate the support the event’s received over the years. Continue reading Longview Cancels 2016 AlleyFest

CHANDLER — Fire crews responded to a car fire at a gas station in Chandler. According to KETK, it started around 3:30 this morning at the Kid Jones on Highway 31. A woman was inside the car when the fire started but she was able to make it out of the vehicle without injury. The fire did damage the gas pumps and they will be shut off until they are deemed safe.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Half Cent Sales Tax Board holds an open house today as it continues its annual call for projects. The project call kicked off Feb. 9 and runs through Mar. 31. City staffers say it provides citizens, community leaders, the Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation Board, the Tyler City Council, and city of Tyler staff the opportunity to bring capital projects forward to be considered for Half Cent Sales Tax funding. The open house to gather public input is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center Large Conference Room, on W. Ferguson Street across from City Hall. Continue reading Half Cent Sales Tax Open House Set; Call for Projects Continues

TYLER – Sheriff’s deputies are looking for a man responsible for a Smith County robbery. The robbery was shortly before 1:30 Monday morning at The Game Room, located in the 11000 block of Highway 64 East. Witnesses say the man walked into the business with a pistol and demanding cash. He left with an undisclosed amount of money. It is not know if he left by car or on foot. The suspect was described as a black male dressed in black and wearing a red bandana over his face. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — Officials are reiterating a safety advisory about use of extension cords after a Longview home sustained heavy damage in two overnight fires. KETK reports crews responded around 11:05 Sunday night to 705 Idylwood Dr. Heavy fire was found in the master bedroom upon arrival. The fire was extinguished without injury to firefighters, and the occupant was not home. The blaze originated in the master bedroom as a result of an extension cord being used to power a speaker and entertainment center. The extra portion of the extension cord was coiled up. Continue reading House Fires Prompt Safety Advisory

TYLER — Heavy damage is reported in a two-alarm fire early Monday morning at a house at 215 E. Fifth Street in Tyler. Fire officials say crews arrived to find the house fully involved and vented through the roof. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately forty minutes. The house was vacant at the time, and no injuries have been reported. The Tyler Fire Marshal’s office is currently investigating the origin and cause. More info will be posted as it becomes available, according to officials.

LONGVIEW — Longview police will be increasing their DWI, speed, and seatbelt enforcement efforts over the next couple of weeks due to Spring Break and continuing that additional enforcement throughout the summer. According to a news release, additional officers will be working the streets with the sole purpose of locating impaired drivers, vehicle occupants not wearing their seatbelts, and motorists who exceed the speed limit. Officers will be paid with funds provided by the Texas Department of Transportation for a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. These grants provide funding to police agencies across the state to put more officers on the streets looking for violators. Continue reading Longview Police: Drink, Drive, Go to Jail

SMITH COUNTY — A 2-year-old child has died from her injuries after she was ran over in her driveway Sunday afternoon. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s office, just after 1:30, the driver and two passengers were leaving the residence on County Road 2323, near Whitehouse, when the girl was hit by the van. She was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle, then flown to Children’s Hospital in Dallas with life threatening injuries. She died a short time later. An autopsy has been ordered and the investigation is ongoing.